Renée's Aesthetic

Winter has once again graced us with her unforgettable presence.  Now more than ever, I just want to wrap myself in the coziest of blankets, lay by a crackling fire, sip on homemade apple cider, all while listening to the enchanting tunes of Miles Davis.  This sounds about perfect to me. That being said, I'm sure there's more than a few of you out there who would love nothing more than to hibernate during our cold winter months.  Unfortunately there's no stopping the snow from falling, while every day life continues to call our names.

I know how difficult it is to see the joy in -25 weather, when you're scraping the icicles off your car or sitting at a windy bus stop on your way to work.  Not to mention trying to keep your poor little hands warm as you can feel them throbbing from the cold and beginning to crack.  I've been fighting a continuous battle with winter, in the efforts of taking proper care of my hands (something I use EVERY day).  As part of my first blog post and the first major snowfall of the season, I wanted to share a few simple little tips on how to help your hands survive until spring.

1. ALWAYS wear gloves.

2. Moisturize constantly.

3. Exfoliate!  Preferably a few times a week (don't be shy to go up to the elbow, and keep those cuticles in mind).

4. Use good quality product, plain and simple.  There's a lot of stuff out on the shelves that may be inexpensive but that are packed with ingredients that do nothing or can even damage our skin. My top favorites right now are Malie Organics Koke'e scrub and hand & body lotion.

5. Get a manicure.  It's a great time for some pampering.  It's not all about the polish ladies and gents, you'll leave with great shaped nails, cuticles trimmed, and skin feeling extra smooth from the hand and arm massage.  How could you go wrong?

Even though these are just a few simple ideas, trust me they work.  Remember, take preventative measures to get you on the right track to self-care.  Happy Winter everyone!

-né

the fresh perspective...

TREATMENTS We're officially on the countdown to the holidays.  Every morning I wake up and anticipate my attire for the day.  I usually end up donning layers, upon layers because I love the way a fall kit goes.  I love the boots, cardigans and toques.  I love the tights and the corduroy.  I love the light film of cold that lingers in the air.

I don't like the dryness though!  Ugh!  My lips, my feet, my hair and hands... It's a trade-off I guess and I just want to prepare you all.

Treatments are the best way to keep your hairs condition during these dryer times.  You can and should definitely be booking them with any service you receive from now till March.  You can also double up and get a take home deep treatment that you can do on your own every two weeks or so.  How many times you do a 'home treatment' is something you should discuss with your stylist.  He/She would know the type of stress your hair may be under and can recommend a good schedule.

In regards to your nails (hands) and feet, you'll need to chat with your esthetician and get a recommendation here as well.  I know for me, I was told to use a scrub on my cuticles and a heavier lotion for the soles of my dry feet.  My feet are dry ALL the time so I use heavy lotion always (just a little FYI).

Regular manicures and pedicures will eliminate a lot of the guess work related to the maintenance of your dry extremities.  Getting these types of services on a regular basis will keep your cuticles under control, your callouses soft and your feet moisturized...

Treatments are just that...a treat meant for something specific.  Don't sell yourself short! While you're running around this month preparing for the impending snow and large family gatherings, think of your body and all it's dry, cracked and frizzy parts... Take good care, that's the fresh perspective...

FYI- CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK FOR UPCOMING SPECIALS ON TREATMENTS, MANICURES AND PEDICURES.

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the fresh perspective...

Salon Etiquette PART 2 ~ BRINGING PICTURES The last salon etiquette entry was about re-booking your appointment and this one is about pictures.

Why is it that clients are always apologizing to their stylist for bringing a picture?  I don't get it?  Whoever said it was a bad idea?  I think that somewhere down the line clients had began to feel that bringing a picture to your stylist was insulting to the stylist and his/her craft.

It seemed that the clients felt that the image would make me feel like I couldn't create something different.  Maybe I would feel too constrained with my 'vision' for my clients hair and my creative juices couldn't flow because the magazine clipping of Meg Ryan was causing me to have a tiny mental block...  Pshaw!  I love pictures!  I love magazine clippings that are worn out from years of carrying in a wallet.  Even more than that, I love actual photos that clients carry of the hairs from their past.  When they were young and wild and free...

Pictures allow me to really see what you see or what you would like to see on yourself.  Pictures allow me to see what YOUR definition of chocolate-brown is.  Pictures give me a small idea about how much time your really want to spend on your hair. Unless your stylist says to you, "DO NOT BRING ME A PICTURE. EVER!", please do.  We welcome them and only want to help you on your hair journey.  And as cheesy as that sounds, that's the fresh perspective...

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the fresh perspective...

SCARVES Since we're on a scarf kick this week I wanted to show you guys some other ways to wear them.  Scarves are a great accessory and can be used for so many things.  Belt it around your waist, wrap it in your hair, wrap it around your neck...the combinations are endless.

As someone who owns a few scarves I will leave you with a few tips.  Try to make sure your collection has variation.  If you have a lot of long scarves, maybe try buying a shorter one.  If your collection is mostly heavy scarves, opt for a light one on your next purchase.  Material is also important.  Some scarves do better when bunched up, some are nicer looking when left sleek.

Don't be afraid to ask anyone of us at the shop to show you how we would wear them or tie them.   I know that there's a scarf sale at the shop, and If you are looking to get someone a gift or maybe just add a little something to your repertoire, come check out our selection.   Keep in mind that it's only a deal if you need it so...I hope you guys have cold necks and/or bursting wallets! That's the fresh perspective...

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Headband a la Jimi Hendrix...

If you follow us on facebook then you would have seen my cheesy video on how to wear a headband.  My youngest daughter has some wild and curly hair and this style worked well with her.  Here are some photos.

Some tips: Make sure the headband is relatively tight.  Not too tight that it'll pinch their heads.  You should be able to fit a finger underneath the band with a little effort.  Also, if your kids never wear stuff in their hair do not expect them to all of a sudden want to comply.  Start at a young age with hair clips, bobbles, and bands.

We are working hard on our tutorials so stay tuned for more!

Peace

the fresh perspective...

Salon Etiquette PART 1 ~ RE-BOOKING APPOINTMENTS

For many of you salon regulars, you may have noticed that in the past few weeks it's been a little harder to see your favorite girls... What's going on?  What's happening? We are getting busy.

Our little shop is finally catching on around these parts and we are working, working, working.  If you are a regular client that's used to just calling a few days before your desired appointment then you should know that those days may be over.  How does that seem fair?  You're the one who's been coming regularly, a loyal and consistent client. Now no one can fit you in?!!! BALONEY!!

What you need to do is to be booking your appointments when you leave the shop.  It's easy to cancel an appointment you have, but very hard to make one when there aren't any available.  This is good practice for everyone and should be done at every appointment just to insure that you indeed have an appointment.

This booking etiquette is something stylists can work on as well. Your stylist should be telling you when to book your next appointments to coincide with whatever hair goals you are trying to reach.  Try to remember, and we should try to remind you as well.

Every service at Freshair Boutique should be a marvelous one and the salon etiquette series will help you learn what should be happening at every visit and what you could be doing to make it great!  That's the fresh perspective...

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